Former Orange Stars Set for World Cup
6/9/2026 5:46:00 PM | Men's Soccer
The Syracuse men's soccer program will have split loyalties when watching the 2026 World Cup, as two former Orange stars will represent their respective countries in the sport's most prestigious event.
Miles Robinson (United States) and Tajon Buchanan (Canada) will suit up starting this week, making Syracuse one of just three programs with multiple players in the World Cup. It's Buchanan's second World Cup appearance, while Robinson plays in his first World Cup after missing the 2022 edition due to injury.
Buchanan, a forward from Brampton, Ontario, currently plays for Villareal in LaLiga. Buchanan has previously represented the CANMNT World Cup team in 2022 hosted by Qatar, making history by assisting the first ever goal scored by Canada's Men's team in a World Cup game. He played for the Orange during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, scoring 12 goals and tallying six assists for 30 points in his two-year tenure.
Robinson, a defender from Arlington, Mass., was drafted as the second overall pick in the 2017 MLS Super Draft by Atlanta United. In 2024, Robinson signed with FC Cincinnati and has since been called up to the USMNT for international matches, including eight match appearances in 2025. The defender represented the United States in the 2024 Paris Olympics. For the Orange, Robinson started in all 42 games in his Syracuse career, recording eight goals and one assist through the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Robinson was a key piece of Ian McIntyre's squad that made its first College Cup appearance in 2015. Syracuse eventually returned in 2022, capturing the program's first NCAA Championship in men's soccer.
Group play begins on Thursday, but both 'Cuse alums will see their teams play Friday. Canada is in Group B, while the USNMNT is in Group D.
Group Schedule (all times eastern)
Friday, June 12 - Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina - 3 p.m.
Friday, June 12 - U.S. vs. Paraguay - 9 p.m.
Thursday, June 18 – Canada vs. Qatar – 6 p.m.
Friday, June 19 - U.S. vs. Australia - 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24 – Canada vs. Switzerland - 3 p.m.
Thursday, June 25 - U.S. vs. Turkey - 10 p.m.
